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Restoration Underway at Creve Coeur Lake Park

Late last year St. Louis Wild Ones agreed to be listed as a partner on St. Louis Audubon’s application for a Missouri Department of Conservation Community Conservation Grant for a project in Creve Coeur Park. In November, Audubon received word that the project had been selected for funding to the sum of $20,000.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is assisting through the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program with a goal to connect urban residents with nature. Funds will be used to convert turf to prairie and reconstruct woodland habitat near Mallard Lake in Creve Coeur Park. Mallard Lake is located south of Page Avenue and east of Creve Coeur Mill Road.

Volunteers needed
The public can assist with the project at two upcoming community volunteer days to remove invasive bush honeysuckle on March 14 and April 11 near Mallard Lake, from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet on the north side of the Lakehouse Restaurant (Google map). All ages are welcome, but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All tools and supplies will be provided. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register, contact Mitch Leachman at mitch@stlouisaudubon.org or (314) 599-7390.

Grant partners met in early February at the Lakehouse Restaurant. Wild Ones member Jeanne Cablish will design three pollinator gardens near the restaurant where they will enjoy high visibility by the public.

Restoration plans
Habitat restoration efforts will include removing invasive plant species, enhancing parts of the Mallard Lake shoreline, creating pollinator gardens, and developing prairie, woodland, savanna, and wetland areas. The project aims to restore habitat and maintain the health of the park’s ecosystem, as well as create a beneficial, educational, and natural experience for park visitors to enjoy.

A significant objective of the project is to educate and involve the community in local natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation. Partners will work with local schools, youth groups, non-profit organizations, and volunteers to enhance wildlife habitat at the park and provide environmental education for local youth and families.